In-depth, Independent Research
VoIP services can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your phone bills. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and if you're using a high-speed internet connection to view this page, you have just about everything you need to start using one of these services. VoIP technology makes calls the same way your computer sends and receives data, only there's no computer involved, just an adapter or VoIP phone provided by the VoIP service. Using the tremendous capacity of the Internet to send and receive calls allows VoIP companies to avoid passing on the charges associated with traditional telephone services. Your calls come through just as they normally would; the only difference is what you'll be paying. Our VoIP reviews and comparison chart look at the most important differences between the companies. For more information on VoIP services, read our VoIP FAQ. Want to realize great VoIP savings but prefer to stick with your landline? Check out these other VoIP solutions.
VoIP Reviews & Prices
Updated 01-27-2012
| Service Name & Rating: | Plans: | Setup Fees: | $ Back Guarantee & Cancel Policy: | Promotions: | Countries Included: | Bottom Line: |
 | World1: $9.99 first 3 mos., then $25.99/mo* (+ fees & taxes) | Free activation, adapter & S&H for online orders | All plans month-to month; no cancel or rebate fees | $9.99 (+ fees & taxes) for first 3 months of Vonage World, free activation & adapter | Over 60 - see review for full list | Included calling to 60+ countries w/ Vonage World, great quality, no set-up fees, no contracts |
 | 2-Year Unlimited: $5.38/mo Monthly Unlimited: $15.00/mo | None | 30-day money-back guarantee; prorated refund on annual plans | Free shipping; no setup fees; 60 minutes of free int'l calling per month | US and Canada | Cheapest domestic calling plans, great sound quality, free equipment, and US-based customer support |
 | Unlimited: $8.33-$19.95 | $14.95 S&H | No cancel fee for month-to-month plan, can cancel prepay & contract plans in first 30 days for $19.95; $99.95 disconnect fee after | $199.95 for two years prepaid unlimited; 60 minutes free calling to 70+ countries | USA & Canada | Inexpensive 2-year plan and overall low international rates |
 | 250 minutes: $9.88/mo Annual Unlimited: $17.88/mo | $29.95 activation; Free S&H | No cancellation fee if equipment returned; annual plan has 75% refund | Free first month; free number porting; free shipping; discounted annual plan | US, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, UK | Recommended for great customer service, nice call quality, and web-based faxing |
| Service Name & Rating: | Plans: | Setup Fees: | $ Back Guarantee & Cancel Policy: | Promotions: | Countries Included: | Bottom Line: |  | U.S. Unlimited: $8.25-$12.95 1200 minutes international calling: +$8.95 | $29.99 plus $10.95 S&H | Free to cancel within 14 days or prorated refund minus $49.95 disconnection fee per line after 14 days; No refunds on activation or S&H | 2 years for $189.00 (+ setup fees) | USA, Canada | Nice call quality and cheap plan (2 years unlimited for $189 + $40.94 setup) but some cancellation problems |
 | Unlimited: $23.97; Global: $29.97; Basic: $14.97/mo plus 2.4¢/min; Global Unlimited Annual Plan: $287.70 | $19.95 activation; free shipping; free activation on annual plan | None, but no disconnect fee; prorated refund on annual plan | Free hardware; Free virtual numbers; No commitments | USA, Canada; Global plan includes 30 countries | Great call quality, no-commitment contract, and excellent customer service |
 | Premium Monthly: $19.95/mo Premium 24 Month: $14.95/mo Premium 12 Month: $16.95/mo Premium 1 Year: $129.95 for 1st year | $14.95 S&H | 30-day money-back guarantee; after that, no cancel fee for month-to-month plan, can cancel other plans for disconnect fee; no prorated refunds | Free hardware; 1 year for $129.95 | U.S. & Canada | Great value on feature-packed plans with multiple payment options, but buggy service and ineffective customer support |
 | World Unlimited: $21.95/mo America Unlimited: $19.95 America 250: $7.95 | $14.95 S&H | None unless equipment is not returned | Free first month, free activation, equipment, shipping (World Max); Free equipment (America Unlimited) | Smart Talk: Over 30 - see review for list; Hello America: USA and Canada | Solid plans from reliable company; unlimited calling to 45+ countries; discounted first month with code |
| Service Name & Rating: | Plans: | Setup Fees: | $ Back Guarantee & Cancel Policy: | Promotions: | Countries Included: | Bottom Line: |  | $12.95/mo Unlimited World; $2.95/mo Unlimited US & Canada | $169.99 for cordless Skype phone; $30/yr online number | 14-day refund period for phone | 50% off on online number (normally $60); free shipping | Over 40 (world plan) - see review for full list | Cheap plan with pricey phone is the only way to get Skype without a computer; no 911 calling |
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